Pro tip for Potential Buyers: If a $700 ebike is “on sale” for $299, that is a $299 bike.
Posted by 20indacan@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 73 comments
Try to filter out all the noise. Accept that most ebikes under $500 are going to be low quality, dropshipped bikes. Most decent commute bikes start at about $700-$1200 although many people here think that average build and components = trash bike just because it isn’t a “great” bike.
Don’t fall for sales because those are just tactics to make you think it’s a good deal, but it’s really not because the discounted price is what it’s actually worth, not the super high price they are pretending it normally has. Don’t buy a bike without reviews, and go ahead and check to make sure they aren’t AI reviews, those are common too
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Legit ebike sales in last several years:
cc92c392-50bd-4eaa-a@reddit
Radmission was $500 at one point. Can't remember MSRP but I paid like 1k :(
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
The Radmission uses mechanical brakes, has a single speed chain (not belt) drivetrain, has a 500W peak motor, and is limited to class 2. That's before battery safety concerns. The Fold 1 Lite for $49 more is a genuine deal.
cc92c392-50bd-4eaa-a@reddit
I mean it works well for me. I kinda just wanted a normal bicycle with a battery. I've never had disc brakes before so it was great.
Spirited-Leg8107@reddit
What’s is wrong with any of that u just said lol … if u want a motorcycle just get that
EvenPass5380@reddit
Still kicking myself for passing on that Fold 1
RichTrifle1785@reddit
that thing even had hydraulic brakes no? insane deal for $600
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Class 3 with throttle, front suspension, strong hydraulic brakes, 900W peak motor, integrated lights. Only thing missing is a torque sensor. Also compatible with the long range 783Wh optional battery Velotric sells.
Botched_Euthanasia@reddit
I have both the long range battery and the standard battery.
As far as I can tell, there is no difference. They weigh the same, have the same physical dimensions and as far as I can tell, last the same amount of time.
The last part is hard to test since I don't control the wind and temperature etc but I do know I can charge both batteries up, put either of them in my bike, a fold 1 plus, bike until the battery is dead then switch them out and always make it home no matter which one I started with.
The fact that they weigh the same is the most damning evidence in my opinion. If the battery had an extra 18650, it would weigh more. unless they took out other circuitry or some sort of filler to make up for it, but then why would that stuff be there in the first place?
It doesn't make sense to me but maybe i'm overlooking something.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
The Fold 1 Lite uses a 486Wh battery. The Fold 1 and Fold 1 Plus use 608Wh batteries. The Long range is 783Wh.
If your batteries are identical is size, weight, and range, there's a strong possibility they are the same model. You should double check the model numbers and capacity.
Botched_Euthanasia@reddit
I did. One says 608, the other says 783.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Drain each one down to 10% and then time how long it takes to charge until green light appears using the same charger.
Botched_Euthanasia@reddit
I'm not sure how to get one to 10%, the controller just shows bars, like cell phones used to have. so i don't see how i'm supposed to get it to 10% and then time how long it charges.
however, I do have 2 chargers. i have used each battery to the point of getting the 'low battery' message on the controller, then stops giving power to the motor. They seem to charge in the same amount of time, give or take a few minutes. that's to the point the blue light stops blinking.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
The Velotric App will show you the percentage. The Fold 1 Plus is app enabled.
Botched_Euthanasia@reddit
if both batteries are brought down in charge low enough to trigger the low battery message, then take approximately the same amount of time to fully recharge, according to the lights on the batteries, how is that any different than testing time to recharge from 10% according to the app?
S3ANbz@reddit
Well yeah this is what they do with all items, TVs, etc etc
Key_Register_4724@reddit
I swear I think expensive bike companies flood this sub gatekeeping lower end bikes trying to convince you that you need to spend $2k on a bike. I bought my ebike on amazon for about $500 over a year ago. I commute to work every day on it and have never had an issue. People on this sub swear these Amazon bikes are gonna explode or something. Just take care of your battery man. Bring your battery indoors when it's cold. Follow the manufacturers charging instructions. If you take care of your things they work. If my bike were to somehow die tomorrow it would be cheaper to replace than repairs on a higher end bike. Not everyone has that kind of expendible income. If you look at all the doordashers and people putting real miles on these things, they more often than not are running cheap Amazon ebikes. Don't fall for elitist propaganda. I don't love Jeff Bezos but some of us need to work and eat.
Life-Entrepreneur970@reddit
As much as you are correct here, you are barking into the wind in this sub. People who spent a lot on their ebike convinced themselves they had no other choice and neither should anyone else.
It’s not that complicated. You could spend $80k and get a nice car. It will be a nicer car with better components and bells/whistles than a $40k car. But the $40k car might suit your needs very well and still be a logical purchase for some people.
I had a $2K Himiway that got stolen. Replaced it with a $500 amazon bike and the Himiway costing 4x as much was in no way 4x better. Not even 2x better if im being honest. The $500 amazon is on its 3rd year, no problems at all and has been more than worth the price. I’ll ride til it dies then buy another one which will likely get me better specs for the money as e-bikes become cheaper and/or more value packed for the price.
John-AtWork@reddit
This sub hates stories like this. I bought a $400 Ama ebike and it is working great for me. Nearly every time I mention this I get downvoted.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
When you spend less than $1k on an Amazon bike, you will almost invariably compromise on quality. For instance, you aren't getting hydraulic brakes. The bike will likely be in the 70lb range. Your battery may be of questionable safety and lack certification.
You may not notice any of this, and you may not be adversely impacted. But to suggest there are no differences or no upside to spending more is just incorrect.
The_Grungeican@reddit
hydraulic brakes are a $50 kit.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Basic Shimano MT-201 are $74 for the combined front and rear. That doesn't include installation. A $500 Amazon bike also won't have a torque sensor. Most likely it will be equipped with a 7 speed Tourney shifter which does not allow for ergonomic shifting and has a very narrow gear range. There will be many other compromises which I intentionally did not attempt to enumerate in full.
The_Grungeican@reddit
this kind of shit right here is a part of the problem. it's a brake lever and a brake. it's not hard to install.
god forbid we don't have ergonomic shifting.
when i was a kid we would run our BMX bikes with no brakes at all. i feel like if i could figure out how to dial in the old caliper brakes with a couple of quarters, at the age of 12 or 13, an adult should be able to install a brake lever and caliper.
there's tons of tools and guides available these days that just didn't exist when i was a kid.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Settle down chief. I've installed hydraulic brakes myself. The point is, not everyone is capable of doing so. And would potentially have installation costs.
The bigger picture that you are missing, or refusing to acknowledge, is that the $500 Amazon bikes have numerous compromises.
sack-o-matic@reddit
Even DIY has a time cost
The_Grungeican@reddit
yeah. i agree. but i don't think there's any real show stoppers, y'know.
i think they can be very viable alternatives. most of the reviews on these bikes tend to agree. cheaper bike, still fun and capable.
Key_Register_4724@reddit
Good thing I didn't suggest that. What I did suggest is that this subs attitude that any bike under $2k will fall apart and explode is ridiculous, and that the amount of gatekeeping and pushing specific expensive brands feels suspect to me. And the fact that you misrepresent my argument rather than actually engage with it doesn't surprise me.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
You were suggesting that bikes priced at $2k were expensive and unnecessary.
You unfairly characterize warning about downsides to buying $500 bikes from Amazon as gatekeeping.
I was authentically engaging with your argument and even conceded that some may not have a negative experience with a $500 bike.
No one is getting kickbacks from Big Ebike for pointing out the obvious. And I didn't accuse you of being an Amazon shill.
The_Grungeican@reddit
bike snobs are kind of something else. every hobby has snobs, but bike snobs are a little worse than other hobbies.
for example you can buy an excellent Haro mountain bike for around $400-500. i've been considering getting one and making my own ebike. i've also been looking hard at a few of the cheap Funhang ebikes. they're pretty well reviewed, despite being bottom of the barrel in terms of price.
now that's not to say that some of the worries and fears are unfounded. a battery fire is a big deal and could absolutely burn down a house. but i'm not sold that blowing thousands of dollars on some extremely overpriced bikes equates quality.
swapping parts and building bikes is not a difficult thing to do. start with a decent frame and fork and going from there is the key. that's kind of why i'm thinking hard about getting a good Haro and then building off that.
lFightForTheUsers@reddit
I will say that even before UL certifications were a thing, I specifically only looked at companies with an American office and batteries with info listed about BMS and quality cells from Samsung/LG/Panasonic. With today's safety rating standard improvements I would only buy ebikes that have a UL certified battery (and one where you can look it up yourself on UL's website to make sure it's legit).
This gives legal grounds so that if something were to happen, you have somebody to go after that isn't Guandong Electronics LTD headquarted in China with a little PO box somewhere stateside. Bikes don't even have to be expensive to hit these goals, I'm also perfectly happy with my Lectric eBike going on 2 years now and closer to the $1k range.
BreckyMcGee@reddit
What does drop shipping have to do with quality?
wlexxx2@reddit
just means that assembly is the rider;s job
so it can vary widely
Acsteffy@reddit
Honestly, this is a Rookie tip. Not a Pro tip.
DenimX25@reddit
If you want your ass on fire then buy the "299 ebike"
Big-Don-Kedic@reddit
The same rule doesn’t always apply to higher end bikes though. It’s not uncommon in the regular bike world for manufacturers to have huge closeout deals when they’re getting ready to introduce a new or more expensive model. I got a $3000+ Giant mountain bike for $1200 on closeout, and my buddy did the same for a nice Scott bike. Between closeouts and Covid era overstock, there were/are tons of deals on nice, name brand bikes.
kurisu7885@reddit
Yep, saw it happen with me trike. I'm a BIT peeved that they dropped the price AFTER I got mine, but, eh, it happens.
Big-Don-Kedic@reddit
A year or two ago, a manufacturer (it was Giant or GT I think) didn’t drop the price but literally did a buy one, get one free deal on a $3000 bike. So all you had to do was find someone else that wanted one and you had a $3000 bike for $1500. A bunch of people got pissed off because it obviously tanked the resale value on their bikes.
kurisu7885@reddit
Eh, I don't plan to resell mine so that doesn't bother me, but I understand why it would bother some.
DJKaito@reddit
True. The Corona closeouts was insane. B2B prices were off up to 90%. When lucky people can still find great deals. Example: ZEMO high tech bikes with an RRP of 6k+ see them here for 50% off or even more. Brand don't exist anymore, do to parent company ZEG reconstructed their brands.
iH8MotherTeresa@reddit
I'd say the Yamaha ingot on fire sale for 1200 isn't the $3k bike they sold it as but it's more than a bargain at what I paid.
Granted, I won't have support in 3 years bc Yamaha pulled out of my domestic market but I'll take it!
Big-Don-Kedic@reddit
Forgot about Yamaha. My buddy got a YDX Moro 05 for $1800 because of that
debian23@reddit
Yeah I hot my PakYake E+ for $2600 when it was originally $5500
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
Thank You for this information...👍
tomcatx2@reddit
Lololol. Thats not a bike in any CPSC or DOT definition. It’s a BSO.
Venmo me that $300 and I’ll give you the same performance results.
Several-Ticket-1024@reddit
I’m looking for an e-bike and I’m curious if there’s anything between $1,000 and $2,500. Obviously it’s easy to find something more expensive, but I’m curious here if there are any opinions whether the upper end of my range is worth it?
I saw Lectric bikes for around $1,000 and name brand bikes with similar specs for roughly $2,400. Is the difference worth it? Is there any reliable website that has done the research? I’m just getting started looking.
kokomo1989@reddit
Most of the posts here (with some excellent exceptions) are why I don’t own an e-bike yet. There’s FAR too much misinformation and outright scamming going on in the e-bike world. I’ll wait for the dust to settle before I make a purchasing decision.
nrhapsody0123@reddit
it’s just that they’re mixed in with a lot of lower-quality or short-lived brands, which creates that noise and distrust.
AntEaterApocalypse@reddit
Yup. And often those bikes are "on sale" every day for several years. And they'll do spring, summer, fall, and winter sales which, surprise, means the bike is on sale every day of the year. A couple of local bike shops near me sell bikes like that. They are decent bikes from what I can tell, but they've been "on sale" for like 3 years now.
celestialcascade012@reddit
Once you notice it, it kind of kills the urgency those sales are supposed to create.
jnyc777@reddit
Watch for rebranded products of failed businesses. Ebike companies are falling like flies. (Battery recalls and other failures) And the leftovers are being sold at a discount under different branding
Top-Introduction2356@reddit
Even bigger names have had problems too, like battery fire warnings and component failures leading to recalls
jnyc777@reddit
I bet ! I mean lithium ion is inherently a fire risk as its composition creates all the air and fuel necessary to keep burning once the temperature threshold is reached. But the bigger companies accept the recalls, they’ve changed out defective batteries for new sales.while the failed companies are being sold with the higher than acceptable risk batteries at a discount
tismschism@reddit
Got a vanpower grand teton ultra for 1299. First E-bike and im completely hooked.
reklatzz@reddit
Why are there so many posts about not buying cheap ebikes.. is it some campaign from big ebike companies or what is this.. never seen so much. There's generic China made clones of everything.. we know.
Festernd@reddit
Because it's frustrating to see hundreds of 'how do I fix/make it go faster' posts of flaming death traps.
People want advice, and the best advice to start with is don't buy cheap flaming death traps, since there's no functioning customer protection when buying direct from china
nightauthor@reddit
or in the US.
Festernd@reddit
Buying from a us company, while in the US, you can still pursue a tort claim in court. It's a fig leaf of consumer protection, but it's more than a US customer has when buying from companies that has no presence here.
But yeah consumer protection is failing as the global market expands
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Generic Chinese made clones of most other consumer products don't pose a fire risk that could burn down your house nor will they put you in the hospital if a structural failure occurs.
urbancowby1963@reddit
I wouldn’t judge a E-bike for its price , let’s face it , 80 to 90% of the Ebikes in America are made in China “ just a fact
Iuslez@reddit
Pro tip: that $2k not on sale is not a 2k bike. It's a $1k bike with extra margin for the shop.
At least that's how the big shops work over here. They always have 1-2 amazing 50% offers and 8-10 other bikes. That way customer that try the 50% bike but don't like it will buy the 2k one. But the one on offer will rotate every few weeks (otherwise they no longer are allowed to display the discount).
None of those bike are 2k quality (I bought a 1k and it honestly isn't worth more). I would have been livid to pay 2k for that.
Alberta52@reddit
but I like noise sister and is that cdn dollars or us dollars ?
Ghost-Power@reddit
Lmao you ain’t lying. Best Buy tried to finesse me on this then I go to NIU site & it’s been $999 all year.
Laserdollarz@reddit
I bought an old pedal bike on Craigslist for $40.
To bring it back to rideable, it needed like $3-400 in replacement parts, minimum. I kept a spreadsheet.
It is a $900 bike now. Turns out, even "decent" components costs money.
The target demographic for the advertised $299 ebikes is "teens who don't haven't been scammed yet."
Relative-Display-676@reddit
Lol I've done the same thing when I bought a bike on "sale". I have a spreadsheet called bike spending.
Bought $1700 Chinese dropped shipped ebike for $1400 after using discount code I saw in YouTube review of it during covid. Afterwards spent $1330.02 on replacement parts and $422.80 in tools to replace parts or maintain them. So now my $1400 bike cost me a total of $3152.82. NEVER AGAIN!
I did learn how to build an ebike from scratch in process but I'd rather spend time riding than getting PhD in mechanical and electrical engineering.
Laserdollarz@reddit
Cheap things can be so expensive haha
On the ebike, I truthfully only counted comsumables once (as upgrades). And I've bought and broken many bags, mounts, and whatevers over the years. Most of the added cost was centered around battery/balancer, suspension, and offroad controller. At least my ebike is the best version of itself, right? Lol
Active_Ad_5322@reddit
Correct,
While there are sales that a $7,000 bike is discounted to $2,999, the math does not mean that the $700 had actual value.
It is a marketing ploy to crate a fake “value” to that bike.
So anyone who says “bUT saLEs haPpEN alL the tiME” gloss over the fact that the $700 bike NEVER sold at that price. It had always been $299 and never will be anything but a cheap facsimile of a bicycle.
Similar-Individual70@reddit
Purchased the Trek FX 1+ S and love it! More than I wanted to pay but, with local support I was willing to pay extra to the peace of mind.
Soltea@reddit
Let me add: Any ebike you can buy for $299 will be horrible and I wouldn't even let it near my house.
RichGuarantee7482@reddit
you talk like you didnt go to college (which is fine). Sometimes companies will have to push inventory and they'll slash prices.
A better way to phase it is "if a company says their ebike is $1700 but its priced at $700 like everyone else, its a $700 bike"
chrispark70@reddit
Wrong. I've bought two different e-bikes for around 300.
The first was a vitesse Flare. 260 USD delivered. It was a great bike, but it got stolen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUY8IYbjIUE
I had it Dec of 24 to August of 25, but about 700 miles on it. No problems encountered.
The next bike was from the same place, it is the Vitesse Signal, it was on sale for 350 and coupons got it down to 315 USD delivered. Both of these were from mendham bikes, a front for Kent.
I bought the signal in August the day my bike got stolen. Around Oct it went back to 1000 bucks and it is still a thousand bucks and they still carry it (not worth 1000 in my mind) . I've put 1200 miles on it so far with only a couple of problem. First one of the chain plates fell off, they sent me a new chain. Second was a broken spoke, but this was my fault.
Neither of them are high end bikes. Both are class 1 e-bikes with a 252wh battery, which is quite small. Though the first one was better quality, both are upper tier Walmart bikes. Not the best Walmart sells, but nowhere the worst (walmart does not carry these particular bikes)
Ancient-Chinglish@reddit
that’s weird, my RadMission was on sale for $500
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
There are a relatively small portion of legitimate sales but you need to evaluate the bike on sale with comparables to determine that. Not simply look at reduction from an unrealistic MSRP.
DarkVoid42@reddit
no its a $50 bike with $50 distribution markup, $50 retail markup, $50 shipping markup, $50 brokerage and $50 customs tariffs.